A Natural Setting in Connecticut

Feb. 27, 2013 6:35 p.m. ET

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In 2002, Jim and Sandi Duffy purchased this 1.13 acre of property on Brush Island Road in Darien, Conn., for $3.11 million. They built this 6,400-square-foot house on the footprint of the previous house, maximizing the views provided by the waterfront location.
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The entry foyer of the home leads to a two-story wall of windows that look out over the water. The home sits on the waterfront of Cove Harbor, a Long Island Sound inlet.
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A staircase between the entry foyer and great room is pictured. The owners chose to place the steps of the staircase behind the foyer entrance so as not to draw attention away from the view when entering the house.
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The family spends most of their time in the family room and kitchen, which has an octagonal porch with glass windows. The home was constructed in six months, a feat Mr. Duffy credits to his wife's organizational skills and talent as a designer. He declined to disclose the cost of building the home.
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Here, a dining room alcove in the home. The property is near Holly Pond and Weed Beach Park and across the water is the 80-acre Cove Island Park, a wildlife sanctuary with a wildflower meadow. The diverse vegetation attracts birds and butterflies while on their annual migrations.
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Sports like kite boarding, wind surfing and kayaking are possible in the harbor, and there is fly fishing in Holly Pond. The result is "an incredible feeling of tranquillity and closeness to the water," Mr. Duffy says.
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One of the home's five bedrooms is pictured. The house features four wood-burning fireplaces, and the property has a pool and tennis court, according to the listing.
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One of the home's seven bathrooms is pictured. Mr. Duffy is a consultant in organizational strategy. Ms. Duffy is a homemaker and has overseen previous renovations undertaken by the couple in their 25 years living in Darien. Now in their early 60s, the Duffys have a 27-year-old son who lives in Boston.
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Another bedroom is pictured. The couple elevated the house, using the lower level for a four-car garage and storage space as a buffer against storms and the possibility of encroaching water.
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Here, one of the home's bedrooms. The couple is now spending more time in Florida and Rhode Island and are looking for a smaller home in the area.
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The master bedroom is pictured.
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Other views of the water are available from a covered patio, a gazebo and the home's three outdoor showers. Here, the view from the master bathroom with porch.
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Here, an all-weather outdoor shower with plumbing ensconced in the house to avoid freezing in colder weather. 'In 10-degree snowstorm weather, you can step out of the master bathroom and turn on the shower,' Mr. Duffy says. 'You're looking at this panoramic view.'
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An outdoor fireplace and entertaining area is pictured. 'We love the house, but the whole ecosystem and sports and wildlife that surrounds the house is the thing that...is the most memorable,' Mr. Duffy says.
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The front of the home is pictured. The home was listed over two years ago with another agent for $9,995,000, according to the current broker. It was listed with Becky Munro of Halstead Property in January this year for $8.3 million.
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The owners of this property in Darien, Conn., designed their 6,400-square foot home to take advantage of the views provided by the waterfront setting and surrounding parks. The five-bedroom home is on the market for $8.3 million. -- Jackie Bischof